COUNCILS across Essex are making progress in securing homes for Afghan refugee families now resident in the county, a new Afghan Refugee Housing Task Force has heard. The Task Force was set up last month to ensure that suitable, sustainable housing is found for Afghan…

PEOPLE most at risk from COVID-19 in Hertfordshire and west Essex are being invited by the NHS to have a ‘booster’ vaccine.   Following new guidance from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), booster vaccines are being offered to people who had their…

MOTABILITY, the national disability charity, has recruited five new apprentices who will start their careers in the organisation’s Harlow office. Four in Motability’s grants enquiry team and one in the HR department. Demonstrating the charity’s continued support for the automotive industry and the local community, Motability…

THE deputy leader of Harlow Council has praised councillor Andrew Johnson after he announced his sudden departure as leader of the council. Cllr Joel Charles, who is stepping in as Interim Leader of Harlow Council, said: “Andrew has been a major political force in Harlow…

THE CHIEF executive of Harlow Council has responded to the news that the Conservative leader of the council has announced his immediate departure. Chief Executive of Harlow Council, Brain Keane said: “I have been informed by Councillor Andrew Johnson that he has stepped down as…

CONSERVATIVE councillor Andrew Johnson has this morning announced his resignation as Leader of Harlow Council. He made the following statement: “I have been hugely honoured and privileged to be able to play my part in helping our community for nearly a quarter of a century,…

EXPERTS warn the impact of the pandemic is a ‘ticking timebomb’ on eye health, as new data is released.  Neha Patel, Optometrist and Director at Specsavers Harlow is highlighting the stark findings from a national report* which shows there were 4.3 million fewer eye appointments during the…

THE Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust regularly failed to meet a key cancer waiting time target during a period stretching over two years, figures show. Data revealed the target, making sure the majority of patients sent for urgent cancer investigations are seen within two months,…

ST Clare Hospice Trustee, Mark Astarita, is making and impassioned plea for local people, in West Essex and East Hertfordshire, to consider making a gift in their Will to St Clare Hospice, in order to help the charity continue to provide outstanding care to people…

WE are giving you updates on the Covid-19 situation in Harlow as the needs arise. We are doing this because we want to give Harlow residents an accurate picture of where we are re Covid-19. The report covers UK figures; Princess Alexandra Hospital figures; the…

A NEW mental health organisation held an Open Day in Harlow. TheraSpace held they day at their base in Pollards Hatch off Kingsmoor Road in Harlow. According to the Office of National Statistics, published January 2021, registered male deaths by suicide levels in Hertfordshire, West…

A BLUE plaque was unveiled for the late chair of Harlow Health Centre Trust, Martin Lawn. The plaque has been placed in the lobby of Lister House Surgery on Abercrombie Way. Martin was not only the chair of Harlow Health Centres Trust from 1996 but…

TAKING time out for self-wellbeing is important to maintain positive mental health and is why local youth mental health charity, Kids Inspire, is hosting an awareness ‘week of wellbeing’.  During the week, Kids Inspire will encourage individuals, families and schools to think about their wellbeing. …

TRIALS of body worn cameras are to take place at two separate crossing patrol sites in Clacton-on-Sea and Basildon. For a period of 4 weeks from Monday 4th October, School Crossing Patrol Officers at sites in Cloes Lane, Clacton-on-Sea and Whitmore Way, Basildon, will wear…